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The Swan of Fittleworth. Fittleworth.
“It seems to be at the end of all things. The miles of road that one has travelled apparently have been leading nowhere but The Swan.“
And for those exploring the South Downs, the words of author E V Lucas are probably as true today as at any time during the 700 years of its existence. In fact, The Swan Inn’s origins are even earlier, standing where this particularly picturesque village’s first buildings would once have been - the name Fittleworth is derived from the name of a Saxon traveller, Fitela, and Weorth meaning ”enclosure“.
During the 19th and 20th centuries Fittleworth - and the Swan Inn as its focal point - developed its enduring connections with art and music. Sir Edward Elgar, arguably England’s greatest composer, came to live locally in 1917 and is said to have enjoyed the hotel’s hospitality on many occasions. It is, however, its association with many great painters for which it is most renowned - a number of whom have left their work on the panelling of the inn’s Picture Room Restaurant.
It is almost certain John Constable stayed at The Swan - as other members of his family are known to have done - and probably in 1835 during the period in which he famously painted Fittleworth Mill. The author of many of English literature’s finest works - including The Jungle Book and inspiring poem, If - Rudyard Kipling, also added his name to the guest book while staying between July 6th and 9th 1901. TripAdvisor
And for those exploring the South Downs, the words of author E V Lucas are probably as true today as at any time during the 700 years of its existence. In fact, The Swan Inn’s origins are even earlier, standing where this particularly picturesque village’s first buildings would once have been -
During the 19th and 20th centuries Fittleworth -
It is almost certain John Constable stayed at The Swan -
The Spread Eagle. Midhurst
It is unfortunate that England has lost many of the great coaching inns which existed along its ancient highways, but, thankfully, a fair number still remain. All have fascinating stories to tell, and the Spread Eagle is no exception.
Parts of the existing hotel date back as far as 1430, with the sheer age evident in places such as the lounge – warmed by grand fireplaces – and the room above which is reputed to have once accommodated Queen Elizabeth I.
It is also said to have been visited by William Shakespeare, with Charles Dickens and H G Wells also taking respite on their travels. However, its most notorious patron is reputed to have been none other than Guy Fawkes.
Check availability and reviews for the Spread Eagle at Booking.com | TripAdvisor | Lastminute.com
More Period Hotels and Inns in West Sussex
Arundel
Amberley Castle. Truly historic building offering four-star accommodation through 19 very individual rooms and suites. Booking.com | Mr & Mrs Smith
Chichester
Millstream Hotel, The. A pretty country house dating from 1701. Booking.com | LateRooms
The Ship Hotel. Dating from the late 18th century, there are some fine Georgian features to be found inside this Grade-II listed building. Booking.com
The Ship Hotel. Dating from the late 18th century, there are some fine Georgian features to be found inside this Grade-
Cuckfield
Ockenden Manor. Set in nine acres of gardens, Ockenden Manor is a charming Elizabethan house dating back to 1520. Lastminute.com | Expedia
East Grinstead
Gravetye Manor. Set amid gardens cultivated by William Robinson (one of the finest gardeners in history) Gravetye Manor is an attractive stone house dating back to the Elizabethan period. TripAdvisor
Midhurst
The Angel. A former coaching inn dating from the 17th century, the Angel today offers 15 boutique style bedrooms. Whether or not the place once played host to Elizabeth I as claimed we cannot be sure (she died in 1603), but other notable past visitors are said to include Hilaire Belloc and HG Wells. LateRooms
Rusper
Ghyll Manor. Reputed to date from the 16th century in parts, Ghyll Manor is a 29-room hotel which is situated within easy reach of Gatwick Airport, Crawley and Horsham. Booking.com
Turner’s Hill
Alexander House and Utopia Spa. The oldest part of this attractive four-star country hotel dates from the early seventeenth century. Online booking is available through Booking.com | Lastminute.com
For more period accommodation try our sections on Historic Holiday Cottages and Beautiful English Villages
Please let us know of any special places to stay in West Sussex we might have overlooked while compiling this site. The county possesses such a rich heritage that we are sure there are unheralded hideaways and ‘off the beaten track’ hotels we’ve missed. Somewhere there will be an architectural treasure, or classic rambling old tavern, connected to a famous king or queen that we need to highlight. Inclusion is irrespective of whether it’s a luxury hotel or a homely bed and breakfast -
Copyright. Nights In The Past 2007 - 2011
Historic Hotels in West Sussex
If you can’t find it below, see all West Sussex hotels at LateRooms, Booking.com, Lastminute.com, Hotels.com
The Spread Eagle
The Swan, Fittleworth
Ockenden Manor
